Ric Redden, the equine veterinarian from Versailles, Ky., says before you can learn anything from taking the hoof pulse of a horse in a laminitis exam, you have to know what a non-elevated pulse feels like.

We thought this issue devoted to products for horseshoers was an appropriate place to say a few words about safety.

 You're working alone.

Nothing can end a farrier’s career faster than a horse who suddenly decides he doesn’t want to be shod. We sent out an informal e-mail survey to farriers recently and asked them how they deal with unruly horses.